Schalow says that she and Baker, her partner in business and marriage, just want to be “business people and beer geeks,” but “it’s clear there’s an effect on our business and reputation across the country.”īuying into the Craft Beer Cellar is more approachable than other franchise options. Threats to a business’ success, they say, come directly from its people talking poorly of the company, which is exactly what has gone on for some time. Each person insisting that any negative stories surrounding Craft Beer Cellar or its franchises was a bad thing, while also admitting that challenges facing the company-some of which went public over the last two years-came almost exclusively from infighting. It's a sentiment that was shared multiple times, from different people. One, asking not to be identified, simply replied, "I am reminded of a lesson of my long ago childhood: If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all." Numerous franchise owners, some confirmed by Schalow as those she’s clashed with, declined comment for this story. She describes the actions of a small group of owners as akin to sabotage, vendettas against her to harm her business, even if it hurts their own in the process. The financial ramifications, as well as personal and professional, have added up. In the last two years, Schalow says she’s spent “a couple hundred thousand dollars” in legal fees battling those who bought into the franchise, even using Boston attorney Phil Giordano on a de facto "full time basis" beginning in 2016. As of the end of May, only one new franchisee had signed in 2018 to open a future store, the same as the year prior. But for as much success has bubbled up, enthusiasm among some franchise owners has gone flat, causing internal strife and public spats, including lawsuits. Another six or seven could join the lineup in 2018, including booming beer states like Texas and North Carolina. Nine stores opened in 2016 and six more last year. Objectively, it should be an exciting time for Craft Beer Cellar. He didn’t want to say much for this story, telling GBH that he’s not aware of any growth for Craft Beer Cellar “here in Massachusetts or otherwise.” He’s trying to sell his store. Shaw, who excitedly spoke of customer enthusiasm five years ago, now suggests there’s anything but. “People say, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know there was this much beer.’” “People take two steps in the door and they don’t know how to proceed,” franchisee Brian Shaw told The Boston Globe in 2013, not long after opening his own store in Newton, Massachusetts, less than a six-mile drive from the original Belmont location. As the American industry creeps toward 7,000, its rapid growth reflects an opportunity Craft Beer Cellar has seized: more people are buying craft beer than ever, and the experience, selection, and education offered at these stores is meant to be among the best in the country. When Baker and Schalow went national in 2013, there were 1,000 more. When the first store opened, there were about 1,800 breweries in the country. There are now 31 such stores spread across the country, from New England to Florida, into the Midwest, Texas, and California. After opening as a curated retail store focused on beer in Belmont, Massachusetts in 2010, founders Kate Baker and Suzanne Schalow have overseen a rapid expansion that turned their venture into a franchise. For businesses, it’s shown in dollars and cents and red and black ledgers.īy most accounts, Craft Beer Cellar has been just that. Subscribe to PremiumĪmong all the subjective hyperbole that gets thrown around when it comes to beer (“best IPA,” “must-visit breweries,” “top-10 Pastry Stouts”), success is still an objective function. Big plays, smart moves, and otherwise curious indicators of beer's possible future. From Barons to Barrels with Captain Pabst.Message in a Bottle with Brewery Ommegang.Beer is Labor with East Brother Beer Co.Let Go or Get Dragged by Jerard Fagerberg.Ferments at Low Temps by Stephanie Byce.
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